RODRIGUEZ-HLATSHWAYO II FOR IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

On August 1st, Star Boxing’s IBF #2 rated, Delvin Rodriguez (24-2-2, 14KO) will fight for the Vacant IBF Welterweight Championship of the world when he takes on IBF #3 rated Isaac Hlatshwayo (28-1-1, 10KO) in a rematch of their highly entertaining draw that took place in November in Hlatshwayo’s home country of South Africa. Rodriguez v Hlatshwayo is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and is set to take place at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT.

RODRIGUEZ (L) AND HLATSHWAYO (R) BATTLED TO A MAJORITY DRAW

“Of course I was not happy after the first fight. I know I won the fight, most people who watched the fight, including the South African press know I won the fight, the only people who didn’t seem to know were two of the three judges,” stated Rodriguez. “I went into his backyard and fought him and then we set the rematch to be over here in the states and he wouldn’t come. So instead of waiting around for him I took on Shamone Alvarez and beat him, earning the #2 spot in the IBF ratings. Isaac is rated number three, so the only way he can win the title is by going through me and I promise you that there is no way that is going to happen.”

“I know I am going to knock him out this time around so the scorecards won’t matter. I know that I can take his best punches and that he can not take mine. In the rematch I am going to go right at him from the opening bell until I knock him out. It is going to be great to have all my fans there supporting me and cheering me on to victory. I have a bad taste left in my mouth from November 17th. I plan on getting rid of it in spectacular fashion come this August and fulfilling my life long dream of being the welterweight champion of the world.”

“The first fight was a good fight, definitely worthy of a rematch. While I think its noteworthy that the press in South Africa thought Delvin won the fight, as did I, it is going to be a great rematch and I am looking forward to August 1st , not backward,” stated Rodriguez promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing who was ringside for the bout.

In their first encounter, the two battled to a twleve round majority draw. Those watching the fight, including many of the South African press, felt that although the fight was close, Rodriguez did more than enough to pull out the victory. Rodriguez was the busier fighter, landed more punches, carried the fight pretty much for the entire twelve rounds, and even dropped Hlatshwayo hard in the 9th. Unfortunately for the Dominican native Rodriguez, who now resides in Danbury, CT, it was still not enough in the judges’ eyes to award him with the victory.

This time around promoters were required to submit a purse bid to see where the bout would take place. Luckily for Rodriguez, his promoter DeGuardia produced the winning big, something that definitely gives Rodriguez an advantage.

“Delvin promised me that if he gets a rematch against Hlatshwayo in the U.S. that he is going to knock him out. We delivered on our end by winning the purse bid, now Delvin must deliver on his, and trust me when I tell you I couldn’t be more confident that he will,” stated DeGuardia.

“Mohegan Sun is thrilled to play host to this exciting rematch between two of the world’s top welterweights. With the IBF World Welterweight Title on the line and this taking place in Rodriguez’s backyard, we are sure to have a packed house on hand to witness a great battle between these outstanding warriors,” stated Bob Yalen, Director of Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Sun.